NovaPal - Set-Top Box Delayed

Regular Member

NovaPal has delayed the launch of its budget digital set-top box because it fears the new BBC channels will not be enticing enough to stimulate sales.

The company was to launch the box in June, but this has now been delayed until at least September.

The box will receive free-to-air channels, but is unable to receive pay-TV services.

Oliver Durkin, the chief executive of NovaPal, said: "We've spent the last two years building what we believe is the best digital TV receiver, but I don't know if 2002 is going to be the gold rush for set-top boxes.

"We've now got eight weeks to decide whether to press the button to start manufacturing for a September launch, but I'm only going to launch when things are hot," he added.

"To make a £100 box work commercially, we've got to have a certain volume and get the economies of scale. We need to sell 20,000 per month and the only way we're going to do that is if older people think it's really worth their while going digital."

Regards W.H.

PS Don't tell me this should be under ITV Digital 'cause it says this box won't be able to pick PPV.

Regular Member

"Nokia to launch free-to-air system
Nokia is to launch a free-to-view digital terrestrial set-top box this Spring based on its current ITV Digital box, the Mediamaster 9850T. The silver coloured box is expected to be on sale in stores in April at between £150-£160. "